HB 4982 Summary

• Creates an Environmental Literacy Task Force as a temporary commission with 13 members representing state education and environmental agencies, plus representatives from science teacher and school administrator associations.

• Task force shall develop an environmental literacy model curriculum designed to prepare students for understanding environmental challenges including climate change, energy sources, and natural disasters while promoting healthy outdoor-based lifestyles.

• Task force must identify recommendations on academic content standards, graduation requirements, student literacy standards, teacher professional development programs, and implementation funding sources for the environmental literacy curriculum.

• Task force shall seek input from various sources and hold a 30-day public comment period before submitting its final report to the legislature within one year of the bill's effective date.

• Members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for actual expenses; the Department of Education shall provide staffing and support; takes effect 90 days after enactment.